Pork Chops & Rice Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish, combining succulent pork chops with a creamy, flavorful rice base. This casserole uses pantry staples like cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and long grain white rice, all seasoned with garlic, chives, and onion powder. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, requiring just 10 minutes of prep time for a hearty, family-friendly dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup (undiluted)

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon dried chives

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

• 4 thick-cut pork chops (bone-in or boneless)

• 1 packet (1 ounce) Lipton Onion Soup & Dip Mix (or alternative seasoning)

• Optional garnish: fresh parsley or basil

Directions

Preheat and Prepare:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, uncooked rice, garlic powder, chives, and onion powder until well blended. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Add Pork Chops and Season:
3. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and place them on top of the rice mixture.
4. Sprinkle the Lipton Onion Soup & Dip Mix evenly over the pork chops. If you prefer a milder flavor, use half of the seasoning packet.

Bake:
5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Check the pork chops for doneness; they should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Remove the pork chops from the casserole, cover them with foil, and set them aside to rest. Stir the rice mixture, then return it to the oven for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Serve and Garnish:
7. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork. Serve the pork chops alongside the rice and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Nutrients

(Nutritional estimates per serving; values may vary)

• Calories: ~480

• Fat: ~20g

• Saturated Fat: ~7g

• Carbohydrates: ~42g

• Sugars: ~3g

• Protein: ~35g

• Fiber: ~2g

Let me know if you’d like more details or help with anything else!

Why Pork Chops & Rice Casserole is Perfect for Busy Weeknights

One of the standout features of Pork Chops & Rice Casserole is its convenience. In just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a flavorful, hearty meal ready for your family. This dish requires minimal hands-on time—simply mix together a few ingredients, place the pork chops on top, and let the oven do the work. By the time it’s finished baking, the result is a deliciously satisfying dinner that requires very little effort.

The use of a casserole dish allows all the ingredients to cook together, infusing the rice with the flavors of the pork and the creamy sauce. The pork chops stay tender and juicy, while the rice becomes infused with the savory, flavorful broth and seasonings. This all-in-one meal is not only easy to prepare but also cuts down on dishes, making clean-up a breeze.

The Secret Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

While the ingredients for Pork Chops & Rice Casserole are simple, the magic happens in the combination of seasonings and pantry staples that create an unbelievably flavorful dish. One key ingredient is the Lipton Onion Soup & Dip Mix. This seasoning packet adds a burst of savory onion flavor that complements the pork chops and the creamy rice. It’s a quick and easy way to add depth of flavor to the dish without needing to chop or sauté onions.

The use of cream of mushroom soup is another essential component. This creamy soup not only helps to bind the rice together but also infuses it with rich flavor, creating a creamy texture that complements the pork chops perfectly. When combined with beef broth, the mixture forms a delicious sauce that brings the entire dish together.

The garlic powder, onion powder, and dried chives add an extra layer of seasoning, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overpowering the dish. These seasonings work harmoniously to elevate the pork chops and rice, creating a meal that feels both comforting and full of flavor.

Cooking the Pork Chops to Perfection

The pork chops in this casserole dish are the star, providing a hearty protein to balance out the creamy rice. Whether you use bone-in or boneless pork chops depends on your preference, but either option works wonderfully in this recipe. Patting the pork chops dry before placing them on the rice mixture ensures a nice sear and prevents them from becoming too soggy as they cook.

During the baking process, the pork chops will cook in the creamy rice mixture, allowing the flavors to meld together. The key is to bake the dish for 30 minutes initially, then check the internal temperature of the pork chops to ensure they’ve reached 145°F (63°C), which is the recommended safe temperature for cooked pork. After removing the pork chops to rest, the rice continues to cook, absorbing all the savory juices from the pork, creating a rich and flavorful base.

Perfecting the Rice Texture

The rice in this casserole should be tender and fully cooked by the time the dish is finished. The key to perfect rice is to allow it to absorb the liquid in the casserole while baking. The initial 30 minutes of baking with the pork chops ensures that the rice begins to cook and take on flavor, but it’s the additional 25-30 minutes of baking once the pork chops are set aside that allows the rice to fully cook through.

It’s important to check the rice halfway through and stir it gently to make sure it’s absorbing the liquid evenly. The result should be perfectly cooked rice that’s infused with the savory flavors of the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and seasonings. The rice will be tender, fluffy, and full of flavor by the time the dish is finished.

Garnishing for a Fresh Touch

Once the casserole is done and the rice is cooked through, fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains. This makes the rice light and fluffy, creating the perfect base for the juicy pork chops. For an added touch of freshness and color, garnish the dish with fresh parsley or basil. These herbs not only provide a pop of color but also add a fresh, aromatic note that complements the richness of the casserole.

The fresh garnish also helps to balance out the richness of the pork and rice, adding a hint of herbal brightness that ties the whole dish together. A sprinkle of parsley or basil can elevate the presentation of the dish, making it look as good as it tastes.

Serving Suggestions

Pork Chops & Rice Casserole is a hearty dish that can stand on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. A light, crisp green salad is a great option to balance the richness of the casserole. You could also serve it with steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots for a well-rounded meal.

For those looking to make the dish even heartier, a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls would be a great addition. The bread will help soak up the creamy sauce from the rice, adding an extra layer of indulgence to the meal.

Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite

Pork Chops & Rice Casserole is a true family-friendly recipe. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also yields a filling meal that everyone will enjoy. The creamy rice is comforting and satisfying, while the pork chops provide a hearty protein. The combination of flavors is appealing to both adults and children, making it a perfect weeknight dinner for families with varying tastes.

Another reason this recipe is so popular is that it’s adaptable. You can adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences or make it a bit spicier with the addition of chili flakes or paprika. You can also substitute the beef broth for chicken broth or even add vegetables like peas or mushrooms to the rice mixture. The possibilities are endless, and it’s easy to make this recipe your own.

Conclusion: A Comforting, Flavorful Meal

Pork Chops & Rice Casserole is a delightful dish that brings together the comforting flavors of pork, rice, and a creamy sauce. It’s easy to make, requires minimal prep time, and is a surefire hit with the whole family. The blend of seasonings, savory broth, and the richness of the cream of mushroom soup creates a dish that’s flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing for a family gathering, this casserole is a wonderful choice that will leave everyone feeling full and content. So, give this simple yet delicious recipe a try, and let it become a new favorite in your home!